Music @ The Gazebo: A Relaxing Escape

By Jenn Goeddeke

Music @ The Gazebo: A Relaxing Escape

Shannon O'Brien and Al Benchich are the lively co-hosts of 'Music at the Gazebo,' a concert series featuring live performances from local and national artists.

Centered around a gazebo hand-crafted by Benchich and his friends, the shows run almost every weekend through the Summer months. Their yard, located at 1437 W Marshall in Ferndale, is a beautiful and spacious setting where birds and butterflies have been known to join in with the music!

Tickets are typically $20 per person, and every dime goes to the musicians. At times the performers will walk away with $800 or more, including their merchandise sales. Light snacks and carbonated water are provided, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, food and beverages. Co-hosts are O'Brien and Benchich's close friends, Barb and Bob Ingalls. Barb also designs the online promotional fliers.

A core inspiration for O'Brien and Benchich has been Johnny Williams of the 'Johnny's Speakeasy' gatherings in the Ann Arbor area. Williams' motto is, "Don't be one, and don't bring one!" Bands have clamored to play there and proceeds, again, go to the performers. Both O'Brien and Benchich are huge fans of music, and they consider their yard to be an "outdoor listening room." As Benchich mentioned, "Lots of venues exist: stadiums, bars, and all in-between. So many people – and background conversa-tions – you don't have that here! We have had some amazing artists. People appreciate the music."

SHOWS ARE OPEN TO ALL AGES BUT CURRENTLY DRAW an older crowd. The schedule planning can be tricky, said O'Brien, often taking anywhere from one-six months to finalize. In addition to the outdoor venue in Ferndale, O'Brien and Benchich also uses the home of O'Brien's family friend, Keith, during times of inclement weather. His home is named 'La Maison De La Paix' and is located at 671 Edison in Detroit (Boston Edison District).

The music played is usually singer-songwriter and Americano style. However, they are open to introducing more styles as time goes on. A good example of a recent show was Jeff Plankenhorn who traveled in from Kentucky. He’ played backup for Willie Nelson and other stars over the years, and claimed one of his favorite shows was at the Gazebo! Another great success was the show given by O'Brien's brother, Colin, from Nashville.

O'Brien and Benchich are looking forward to a great fourth year of hosting events, and bringing in local musicians and performers from all over the USA.